The Best Birthday

Blonde hair, grey eyes; Harry still had yet to adjust to his new appearance and once again found himself mildly surprised by his reflection in the mirror. Best of all, his scar had faded almost completely out of sight; only when you looked really close was it visible but even then, it didn't look like much of anything. It always took a few seconds after waking up to remember everything that had happened and he always smiled when he did. His hair was finer and laid down well with a bit of gel, just like Draco's did and he liked actually having neat hair compared to what he used to have.

Everything was different now since he'd been adopted. Firstly, living in such a large house filled with people who not only wanted him around but went out of their way to make sure he was happy, comfortable and well-adjusted. It was so different from the treatment he used to receive and it was everything he used to wish for when he was younger. It was nice being treated with respect and love; an equal to the other child in the house and not used as a punching bag. Harry wasn't even yelled at here.

Narcissa was amazing; filled with such care for Draco and Harry but still made sure they were respectful and followed the rules. She was gentle and stern at the same time. Harry couldn't believe she actually cared so much for his welfare and happiness. She tucked him in at night, she comforted him when he had nightmares and made sure he had his potions when he ate. It wasn't something he'd gotten in the past and at first, he thought there was a motive but quickly came to see it as true affection and began to crave it.

Lucius was a lot of fun but Harry soon learned that beyond his aristocratic exterior was a sensitive, caring and creative man. He spent a lot of time teaching Harry and Draco things they'd need for Hogwarts. He also made sure Harry knew about magic and the history of magic. He made a point to go out of his way and confirm the message that Harry's relatives had been liars and that he was worthy of love and that he wasn't a freak. In addition to all that, he seemed to really enjoy painting and would often paint while Harry and Draco played in the backyard.

Severus was a bit more difficult; he was a snarky and sarcastic man but Harry quickly learned to see the emotions beyond the man's sneers and sarcasm. Severus seemed to relate to Harry on a level the others couldn't and often spoke to Harry about things he'd been through to help Harry get it off his chest. He told Harry it did no good to let anger sit for too long. Severus also took the time to explain potions to Harry and quickly discovered that he had a knack for them. It was because he spent so much time cooking for his relatives but he still seemed to enjoy potions.

Harry was actually greatly enjoying everything to do with the magic world. He began reading everything he could get his hands on and asking everything that came to mind. It was nice to ask questions and not get yelled at or beat. Draco was a big help, going out of his way to help Harry learn everything he could. He played games with Harry and talked about magic, their family and so much more while they played. He also taught Harry wizard's chess, exploding snap and Harry taught Draco about the muggle world. It was amusing watching Draco become confused over things as simple as the telly or brooms used for cleaning instead of flying.

"Harry! They're here! They're here!" Draco cried throwing the door open. Clasped tightly in his hands were two envelopes; their Hogwarts letters. Despite the excitement, Harry felt his gut clench nervously, what if it read Harry Potter instead of Harrison Malfoy.

"Let's see, Mr D Malfoy and Mr H Malfoy! Here you go, Harry," Draco said handing Harry his letter with a wide grin. Both boys opened their envelopes and read their acceptance letters before tearing down the stairs. Severus and Lucius were sitting at the table talking gently to each other like they did in the morning, while Narcissa was reading the Daily Prophet and sipping a cup of tea.

"What did I tell you boys about running in the house?" Severus asked, raising his eyebrow but not glancing away from Lucius.

"That we're not savages but our letters came!" Draco said holding up his letter for everyone in the room to see. Harry was too busy rereading his letter for a second time to hold up his letter but he would have held his letter up if he weren't preoccupied.

"This is cause for celebration! I think a trip to Diagon Alley is in order," Lucius announced with a wide grin on his face. "Narcissa, let's go get ready. Boys, eat quickly and get dressed; we'll head out as soon as we're ready."

***LINEBREAK***

Harry still did not like apparating but his stomach didn't react as violently as it did the last time. His head was only lightly spinning when they apparated into the streets of a village Harry assumed was Diagon Alley. There were witches and wizards in various robes and stores lined with magic items that would not have been displayed so openly in the muggle world.

"Come, Harry," Severus said in a deep voice, his face was back to the expression he used in public; annoyed with everyone around him. Of course, Harry could see past the cold expression but he could see why other's would be intimidated by the man. "Draco's measurements for his robes were taken last week but we still need to take yours. Hopefully, they'll be able to send the robes together to save time. Lucius, why don't you take Draco to get their books."

"I'll go look at some wands," Narcissa said. "When they're done with books and robes, just bring them to Ollivanders."

Harry followed Severus into a store filled with robes and people picking through the robes, trying to figure out which ones they wanted.

"Mr Malfoy, back again?"

"Ah, hello Madam Malkin, that was Draco Malfoy who came in last week, this is his twin brother Harrison," Severus informed the witch with his usual sneer and annoyed expression. For a brief second, Harry wondered what it was like to be so easily annoyed or to pretend to be. He knew the man annoyed easily but not as much as he presented to the world.

"Yes, well come forward Harrison," Madam Malkin said, her voice was kind. "I've got another boy being measured as we speak."

Harry followed the lady and was guided to a stool and directed to stand on it. Within a few seconds, the measuring tape began zipping around, measuring various parts of his body. After a few seconds, Harry noticed the boy on the stool next to him. He had red hair, freckles and his clothes appeared to be hand-me-downs.

"You're going to Hogwarts, too?" Harry asked politely.

"Yeah, what's your name? I'm Ron Weasley," the boy asked, looking at Harry's clothes and flushing as he looked down at his own clothes. Harry felt bad because just a few days ago, he was dressed in worse clothes; at least his clothes fit.

"Harrison Malfoy, nice to meet you," Harry said with a grin. "What house do you think you'll be in?"

"I dunno, most of my family was Gryffindor but my brothers Percy, Fred and George are Slytherins. I just want to go where I'll fit in but I want to be more than just another Weasley. I assume you're going to be in Slytherin," Ron asked, trying to bring the attention off of himself.

"Maybe, I mean my whole family has been in Slytherin," Harry said. "I want to make a difference, but I don't know what kind of difference I want to make yet."

"Hmm, me too."

Harry opened his mouth to say something else but Madam Malkin had already returned and was already sending the boys out the door, telling them that their robes would be ready and sent out within the next couple days. When they got outside, Harry looked around for Severus but instead found two red-headed identical boys running towards them with wide, mischievous grins on their faces.

"Has ickle Ronnikins gotten his new robes fitted?"

"And he's made a friend!"

"Indeed, it looks that way and he's a Malfoy!"

"Draco Malfoy I presume."

"Well, then you would be incorrect. I am Harrison Malfoy, Draco Malfoy's twin brother," Harry said with a small smile as a brief look of confusion passed the twins' faces before wide smirks filled their faces.

"Harrison, these are my brothers. Fred and George; they're third-years," Ron said, his cheeks flushing a bit as they began pinching his cheeks and patting his head as though he were just a tiny tot learning how to speak.

"Harrison, come along; we still have much to do. Fred, George; I trust you're not planning to flood the common room this year," Severus said, raising his eyebrows are the boys who instead of being nervous, seemed amused by the intimidating man.

"We had no immediate plans."

"But if you want, we might consider giving Gryffindor their own personal swimming pool."

Severus simply rolled his eyes but his smirk was neither encouraging or discouraging; in fact, Harry could have sworn there was a slight glow of amusement in his eyes at the idea.

"See you on the train," Harry said as he followed Professor Snape towards the wand shop. Draco, Narcissa and Lucius were standing outside the wand shop waiting patiently... Well, the adults were waiting patiently, Draco was pacing anxiously while Harry's new parents watched with mildly amused expressions. Upon seeing Severus and Harry, Lucius smiled and quickly winked at Severus who blushed lightly.

"No kissy faces! Harry and I want to get our wands! You can do the smooches later!" Draco exclaimed, clearly seeing the brief flirtatious moment and expressing his impatience for having to wait any longer than he already did. It was obvious Draco was not the most patient person in the world.

"Draco Malfoy, you need to be patient. Unfortunately waiting is a part of growing up that you're going to need to get used to," Narcissa said in a sharp but still kind voice. "Harry, did everything go well?"

Harry found a wide smile forming on his lips as he heard how Narcissa actually cared how his fitting went. It was nice having people actually interested in making sure he was okay and that things were going well for him.

"Yeah, I met another first-year and his brothers; they all thought I was Draco!" Harry said with a light chuckle.

"Yes, well, I'm sure that's to be expected since nobody has ever met Harrison Malfoy before," Narcissa said with a smile on her face. "Let's get your wands. Sev, can you go get their potion kits; I want their kits to be customised and you know everything they'll need. Those first-year kits just don't bring into account the fact that eleven-year-olds are clumsy and might need to do a potion more than once."

Severus nodded and turned to leave but before he walked away, he rubbed a circle on Lucius arm who made a sound that was almost like a purr.

"Yes, I'm going to bring the children in to get their wands now," Narcissa said putting heavy emphasis on the word 'children'.

The way Ollivanders was laid out reminded Harry of an old bookshop except instead of books, the shelves were lined with long, thin boxes which Harry knew held the wands. Just being this close to getting a wand was enough the make Harry practically shake with excitement and Draco was obviously just as excited.

Harry was so excited that he was able to ignore how much the shopkeeper rambled and soon enough he had his wand with a look of pride and satisfaction on his face; somehow, despite the fact that he believed everything he'd been told so far, holding his wand in his hand was enough to solidify everything in his mind and make it real for him. This was no longer a desperate fantasy he'd made up from his cupboard under the stairs; this was real.

"Lucius, I'm going to pick up a few things, why don't you and Sev take the boys for some ice cream? I'll meet you there," Narcissa said with a wide grin. Lucius seemed to know what was going on and a similar grin passed his face before fading to his usual expression.

"Alright; come along boys, let's go meet Sev on the way," Lucius said as he stood up.

Severus had been on his way to meet them and Draco and Harry showed off their new wands for a few seconds before making their way to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour. If Harry had been impressed by the lemon ice lolly, then this was a work of art; small mountains of chocolate with fruit and candies but it was apparently charmed to never make you sick or fat!

"We'll come back in a week or so to get the more personal things that you'll need. Harry, I informed the clothing place that you're going to need everyday clothing as well, including play clothes and outdoor clothing. Those will come with your uniforms," Lucius told Harry while Severus loaded their bowls with whipped cream and syrup.

Harry nodded, once again surprised by their generosity; they had gone out of their way to provide Harry with everything he needed for school and they seemed happy to do it. The Dursleys would have moaned and groaned and they would have told him that he would be paying them back once he was old enough. He also knew the Dursleys would constantly remind him of how expensive he was to care for and how ungrateful he was when he asked for a bite to eat after two days with no food.

But not the Malfoys. They made sure he had everything he needed and then some.

"I'll pay you back when I can," Harry told them, wondering how exactly he was going to come up with such money but he would figure out a way.

"You will not! You are my son now and it is our job to provide you with the things you need and even with the things you don't need," Lucius said, looking shocked to have heard a child offering him to pay him back for school supplies.

"But the Dursleys..."

"Are terrible creatures who aren't suited to raise guppies, let alone a living breathing child. We will never ask you to give us money for anything you need nor will we accept it."

Harry nodded, seeing how serious Lucius was being and a small smile escape his lips.

As they finished eating, Narcissa returned and soon they were apparating back home and once Harry recovered from the apparition, they went to the main dining room but it looked different now. There was cake, a small stack of presents and the room was decorated beautifully.

"Happy Birthday, Harry!" Narcissa announced as she gave Harry a quick hug. "Next year you'll celebrate with Draco but I didn't want you to go a whole year without celebrating."

A birthday celebration for Harry? That had never happened before. His relatives never even acknowledged his birthday before and these people not only remembered but had gone out of their way to get him presents. Harry's stomach began fluttering with excitement as he looked at the brightly wrapped parcels and the beautiful cake.

"Oh, Harry!" Narcissa cried as she wrapped her arms around him when a sob erupted from his chest.

"Nobodies ever celebrated my birthday before! Thank you," Harry managed to say, despite the fact that his throat felt so thick.

That night Harry received a broom, a few books, exploding snap, his brand new birth certificate and a backyard Quidditch set. After presents, there was cake and treats and eventually, everyone went to bed. But Harry went to sleep feeling happier than he could ever remember because today had truly been the best day of his life.